By Malusi Msomi

Iziko Museums of South Africa and BMW join forces to bring you “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective, thoughtfully curated by Nontobeko Ntombela. The exhibition will dive into the authentic journey of Esther Mahlangu’s remarkable 50-year artistic career at Iziko Museums.

A standout moment in the exhibition is the return of Mahlangu’s iconic BMW 525i Art Car to South African soil after three decades. In 1991, Mahlangu made history as the first African woman to paint a BMW Art Car, marking a pivotal moment where African art seamlessly merged with contemporary automotive design. This significant historical event symbolizes a shared history of innovation and creativity between BMW and Esther Mahlangu.

The exhibition, expertly curated by Nontobeko Ntombela, unfolds as a captivating narrative of Mahlangu’s unique approach to art, intertwining African cultures with modernity and the contemporary. It is a celebration of Mahlangu’s voice, agency, and pioneering spirit, symbolizing her self-enunciation, self-determination, and boundless creativity. This landmark achievement for South African art recognizes Mahlangu as one of the select few to present a Retrospective Exhibition in globally revered museums.

“Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective
Feb 18 – Aug 11, 2024
Iziko South African National Gallery
Cape Town, South Africa